April 23
Reading:
George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ,
was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a
military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand
troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his
courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a
persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly
before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could
not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of
tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his
faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in
his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including
Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in
Nicomedia.
His sacred remains were taken by his servant from
Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his
mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised
up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the
church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the
Queen, on April 21.)
If April 23 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated to Bright Monday.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the
sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George,
intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Cultivated by God, you became manifest as an honorable tiller
gathering for yourself the sheaves of virtue. For you sowed with tears
but reaped with gladness; in the contest you competed with your blood
and came away with Christ. By your intercessions, O Holy One, all are
granted forgiveness of sins.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2010(with 2009's link here also and further, 2008's, even 2007!
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